The Principle of Original Permissibility (Ibahah)

Abstract

This chapter provides a concise presentation of one of the basic shariah principles, permissibility (ibahah), which maintains that everything is permissible unless it has been clearly declared as prohibited. The norm of shariah with regard to food and beverage, the choice of clothes one wears, and the sale and purchase of all these as well as conclusion of other contractual transactions over them is that they are all permissible based on this principle. Permissibility thus become a normative presumption of shariah, which means that no other proof is needed for one to enjoy the victuals, beverages, and other comforts of life unless they have been clearly declared as forbidden.